“I hope not,” Elias said via telephone from the Czech Republic. “I said seven years ago that this would be my last contract, but I can still play. Obviously a lot can change in three years.

“As long as I’m healthy and I’m enjoying hockey probably even more than my first few years, I’ll be a valuable player to some team. Whether it’s with the Devils for two more years or with someone else.”

Elias and his agent, Allan Walsh, talked to several teams during this week’s interview period.

“We got a couple of phone calls,” Elias said. “I think most of the teams knew we were getting close with the Devils. We let them know if it didn’t work out with New Jersey we could maybe continue to talk. Almost all the teams knew my situation, that we’d been talking to the Devils for 3-4 weeks.”

According to RDS in Canada, Elias was t he Detroit Red Wings' first choice. When they realized he wanted to stay with the Devils, the Red Wings turned to Daniel Alfredsson.

“I think it was a great move, one of the best moves I’ve seen during my career here,” Elias said. “Everybody was wondering what was going to happen when Marty (Brodeur) is done.”

Of course, it meant that Johan Hedberg’s time with the Devils came to an end. The team will buy out the last year on his contract.

“I think it was a shock to both of the goalies,” Elias said. “I’m pretty sure that he understands. I texted him to say good luck, hope everything will work out for him and tell him what a great teammate he was. I still think he might get a job somewhere as a backup goalie because of his work ethic and what he brings to a team.”

* * *

When the free agent signing period officially opens at noon (ET) today, the Devils are likely to lose right winger David Clarkson.

The potential replacement could be former Sharks and Rangers winger Ryane Clowe.

In 12 games with the Rangers last season, Clowe had eight points (three goals, five assists).